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Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Infections at Longmont Vision Center

Do you suspect you have an eye infection? This is when harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites invade your cornea, conjunctiva, or other parts of your eye. Schedule a visit with an eye doctor at Longmont Vision Center to treat your eye infection promptly and effectively. An eye exam is necessary to diagnose, manage, and treat your condition.

Types of Eye Infections

There many different types of eye infections, so your eye doctor will determine the exact cause of the infection before treatment begin. Here are some possible causes:

Bacteria - One of the most common bacterial eye infections is called conjunctivitis, though it can also be viral in nature. Known colloquially as pink eye, this highly contagious eye infection describes the swelling of the conjunctiva. Other bacterial eye infections include trachoma and endophthalmitis.

Viruses - Infections caused by viruses are called as viral keratitis. One example is ocular herpes, which can develop if you have the Herpes simplex virus.

Fungi - Fungal keratitis is an eye infection caused by fungi. Your eyes might be exposed to these microorganisms if you use contaminated contact solution or your eye is scratched by something organic, like a tree branch.

Parasites - If parasites invade the eye, you could develop a sight-threatening eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Contact lens wearers are at increased risk of parasitic eye infections, which is why you should follow safety tips such as removing your lenses before swimming, disinfecting your lenses each night, and refraining from wearing expired lenses.

Eye Infection Symptoms

Despite the variety of eye infections out there, they share many of the same symptoms:

How Optometrists Diagnose, Manage & Treat Eye Infections

Since different types of infections require specific treatments, optometrists often take a sample from the infected eye for a lab analysis. Then, an accurate diagnosis allows for the proper eye care to take place. This may include:

Prescription antibiotic ointment or eye drops - These treatments help with bacterial eye infections, including pink eye. Usually, this is all you need to recover from a bacterial infection with no lasting side effects or vision loss.

Prescription antiviral or steroid eye drops - While many viral eye infections heal with no additional aid, prescription medication may be needed to eradicate the infection and reduce inflammation in severe cases.

Eyelid cleaners, warm compresses, and eyelid massages - These treatments help to speed up the effects of antibiotic or antiviral medications. They help to reduce symptoms and make you more comfortable until your eye heals.

Our Eye Doctors in Longmont Treat Eye Infections

No one wants a lingering eye infection. That’s why you should never attempt to self-diagnose your condition, which could delay proper eye care and potentially damage your sight. If you suspect you or your child has an eye infection, please contact us at 303-651-6700 to schedule an eye exam with our eye doctors in Longmont today!